Help! Peeing problem...

[MyShepherd]

I have a 1 1/2yr old German Shepherd. We have had him for a few months. He is SUCH a great dog but needs quite a bit of work on some things. Working with him is VERY difficult due to a problem with peeing. Before we got him he was an outside farm dog. But potty training was still a piece of cake. However, he accidently pees all the time when attention is paid to him. I have had a dog before that peed when getting to excited. It is MUCH more than that. Almost every time he is told no it happens, when excited....ect. After he does it, a lot of times he he will lick himself or the accident as if trying to clean up the accident. I don't know how to fix this problem because when I try and call him on it he ends up peeing more/again!
I should mention, he is not neutred yet and it does seem like he was beatin before we got him(extremely skiddish). Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

You are describing classic submissive urination.

The dog is trying to indicate he understands you are his alpha. In polite dog society, dogs urinate to show their respect and deferrence to a superior, and to defuse aggression. If you correct this behavior AT ALL, in ANY way, including saying NO, it will only get worse, as you are experiencing.

This dog needs to be helped along with strictly positive reinforcement, and redirection and NO correction or notice of the submissive urination.

I understand this can be very hard to do, and you might need to seek out the assistance of a good trainer or behaviorist in your area to help you.

 

[Saje]

My Nanook did this when we first adopted her. It just takes slow, unintimidating love to get their trust. Get down to his level and let him come up to you. Keep things calm. Ignore the bad behaviour and praise the good but not in excess so he starts getting excited and jumping on you etc.

It's always a good idea to get a vet check too. Just to be safe. Neutering might help too. It's always a good idea anyway.